asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department have discussed new categories of emigration with the authorities in countries to which large numbers of Irish people wish to emigrate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Categories of Emigration.
5.
All countries reserve strictly to themselves the right to determine and administer their immigration policies in the light of their own needs. Most countries base immigration on criteria such as their need for skills in short supply, or family relationships to people already resident. Immigration is, therefore, a matter determined by the changing needs, or at least the capacities, of the country of immigration, not on changing patterns of emigration in the countries from which people come.
I have stressed on previous occasions that US immigration policy is not based on national quotas but rather on objective criteria such as skills or family relationships. It is clear that this last criterion is now of more limited benefit to Irish citizens due to the low emigration to the US from the late fifties onwards. Countries such as Australia stress that their policies also are not based on national quotas. Australia has recently adjusted its immigration rules to widen the "family sponsorship" to a broader range to include uncles and aunts. Indeed, they have introduced new possibilities for those with no relations there. However, the basic criteria remain young, skilled, educated and employable. In Canada too the criteria are based on skills or in some cases business ability.
My Department monitor closely such developments and any changes in immigration rules or policies in countries which are likely to be of interest to Irish citizens. This involves contacts by our embassies with relevant officials in those countries and, where necessary, we raise issues of concern to us with the countries in question.